Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you hate the name JBL... then you need read no further... if on the other hand you are after a pair of studio monitors that are reasonably priced, consider these as an affordable solution.
I have used various brands of studio monitors over the past two decades in recording and small studio set-ups. That is not to say that I consider myself an expert, rather on the contrary, I offer this information as an evaluation from my experience.
First Impressions:
These JBL LSR 2328P monitors have a reasonable weight to them, generally indicates quality construction. Externally I could see that they are well made and very clean looking - utilitarian in fact. Perfect for studios. The controls are all located on the rear (as for most powered/active monitors) containing all the standard features you would expect, XLR, TRS, RCA connectors, LF/HF trim and power. If access to the rear is limited, this may be of concern if you have to make numerous set up changes, but it certainly is not a problem. The base has a dense foam/rubber material which absorbs some vibration when mounted on a console or desktop. Also present are M6 mounting points conforming to industry standard mounting brackets if you want to use speaker stands. Once plugged in, before set-up was conducted, I turned the monitors on and played various program material through them. Very smooth and natural sounding speakers with a generally acceptable sonic palette. After some measurements and some LF trim (my speakers are closer to the rear wall than I would normally like, thus setting the LF trim at -3db on the woofer tightened the bass response. Not as much wall reinforcement) I then began using them for their intended purpose for monitoring and mixing tracks, mainly rock and blues, with a little jazz fusion.
After nearly a month of use:
I have been pleasantly surprised by these speakers, the are very neutral and natural, and offer very little colouration to the source material. This can be harsh, as you realise that either your recording is off, or the mix is to bright/flat. A quick listen on the main monitors reveal that also to be the fact. Back to the console, tweak the sound, and presto... smooth... on the JBL LSR 2328P. Thus it was easy to make sure that your music would translate to other devices/equipment.
High frequencies were smooth, with mids very natural sounding. Easily able to locate instruments within the sound stage and location. One thing I did notice was that on vocals, it was difficult to eliminate the breath inhales, either they were a little exaggerated on these monitors or my mixing technique is off. But at least these JBL monitors resolved this and allowed me the opportunity to pick them up early in my mix.
The bass was tight and full, sometimes had a tendency to overhang on complex bass pieces and get a little bit "muddy", but not unacceptably so. Also the rear port does not have a bung to reduce unwanted rear wall reinforcement of bass signals (the port also serves as a cooling port for the electronics and woofer, so not recommended to bung it up).
As for the controls, they are a standard feature set, common on all brands. Nothing special here. I found that once I got used to the power switch location on the rear, I could easily find it, but still, the power button on these JBL's could have been better placed, like on the front panel, the Logo could serve a dual purpose! (take note JBL)
After A/B testing these speakers with other brands of monitors of similar specifications, not price, I can unequivocally state that they are just about the same as other brands that cost twice (or more) than the JBL's. (I have on purpose not mentioned the other brands as this review is on the JBL's) This is not to say that other monitors were poor/better, rather they had a slightly different set of strengths and weaknesses in comparison. Where say brand A had smoother top end clarity, they lacked bass definition and or punch of the JBL's. If the JBL's were smoother overall than brand B, the other brand may have exhibited better definition or "breath" in the music. Therefore, I would like to point out that at similar price points, all these speakers had similar attributes. If you like bass slam, the JBL's will give it to you. If you require sonic clarity in the upper register, the JBL's will give it to you. If you want clear neutral representation (within reason) from these monitors at this price point, these JBL's will give it to you.Closing Thoughts:
When I am not mixing or recording, (like now whilst I am writing this review) I generally have these monitors playing music at a low level, Wow... they sure put the feeling and weight into the music at low level. I find that I do not get fatigued from listening to these speakers for hours on end (also a function of volume). After all, I am more interested in listening to music, rather than the equipment, so comparisons between brands becomes mute points of intellectual musings.
From a price point of view, I think it is hard to beat these particular JBL's compared to speakers that may offer only about say less than 5% (subjectively) better performance overall. Thus if you are after that 5%, and that is paramount in your application, you will need to spend considerable more on studio monitors than these JBL's or other monitors at this price point.
Thoroughly recommend these JBL LSR 2328P's for anyone with a tight budget (or otherwise), or a need for monitors that you will have to save for months on end to acquire, before you get to listen/mix/enjoy...
Great Work JBL...
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